England's Stuart Broad is one of only seven bowlers in the history of Test cricket to reach 500 wickets, forging a hugely successful career in professional sport despite a lifelong battle with asthma.

Here, the PA news agency talks to the seamer about his difficulties in coming to terms with his asthma and how he manages his condition.

What impact did asthma have in your early years?

"I must stress that my treatment plan is specific only to me. I try not to use too much medication, to be honest. The breathing techniques and awareness of conditions, environments that I can pick up on is something that I try to control my asthma with the most. Life's not perfect now. There's been occasions even at 34 when I've had to tell the England captain 'I just need a little rest here, do you mind? There's reasons for it'. The understanding of someone of that level is awesome."

Have you a message for youngsters who have asthma and want to become a professional sportsperson?

"Don't put limits on it, don't restrict your mind into what your body can do, do research on asthma, it's important, know what can trigger and cause it. Playing international sport for long periods of time with asthma is doable – that's a fact. I can sit here and say that. You can control it, you can better yourself all the time with controlling your asthma, so don't put limits on yourself."

:: The Lung Letters campaign that Stuart is involved in has been organised and funded by the Healthcare Company Chiesi. For more information on Stuart's story, please visit www.lungletters.co.uk